Cervical Cancer Vaccine Available

What every girl and woman needs from a Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. It starts when normal cells on your cervix turn into abnormal precancerous cells (or lesions). Pap tests check for abnormal cells, so they can be monitored or removed through procedures such as a biopsy (removing the cells by surgery or laser). If these cells aren't caught and treated, they could lead to cervical cancer over time. Treatments for cervical cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, or in some cases, a hysterectomy (removing the womb).

Who is affected by cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can affect young women in their 20's and 30's. It's the second most common cancer in women aged 20-44, after breast cancer.

What causes cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection. Up to 4 out of 5 females will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. In most cases, HPV doesn't cause any symptoms and goes away on its own. But if you have an infection that doesn't clear, it may lead to cervical cancer over time.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The truth is, you can be infected with cancer-causing HPV after only one exposure to someone who has the virus. And while condoms provide some protection, HPV can still be spread through contact with areas that aren't covered. In other words, you can get HPV through oral or hand-genital contact – not just intercourse

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test helps find early changes in the cervix that could become cancerous. During the test, a small sample of cells is then lightly scraped from the surface of the cervix, and sent to be examined in a lab. It's very important to get regular Pap tests, as they can help detect abnormal cells so they can be treated. Your doctor can tell you how often you should have them.

Cervarix is a vaccine for girls and young women aged 10-55. Cervarix can help protect against cervical cancer by preventing infection with the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer (HPV types 16 and 18).

How many vaccinations will I need?

Cervarix is given as a series of 3 vaccinations. It's very important that you get all 3 doses.

Why?

Unless you get all 3, you're not as protected as you can be. Having all 3 doses helps your body get the best possible response from Cervarix.

Here's how it goes:

Cervarix vaccination #1: You choose the date
Cervarix vaccination #2: 1 month after the first dose
Cervarix vaccination #3: 6 months after the first dose

Important Safety Information:
Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of CERVARIX should not receive the vaccine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an allergy to latex. CERVARIX is not for women who are pregnant.

Cervarix Web Site
For more information about Cervical Cancer and Cervarix, you may visit cervarix website.

Note: Some of the content of this page has taken from cervarix website for informational purpose only.